Permits for research on private land 

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Pacuare Reserve (PR) requires that all research projects be reviewed by the scientific coordinator to insure that environmental impacts will be minimal and consistent with management guidelines for the station and to minimize conflict with other projects.  In some cases the scientific coordinator or appropriate staff can review the project methodology and issue an approval letter.  If the project involves destructive sampling, major installations, collecting vertebrates or work with invasive or endangered species, however, the scientific coordinator may ask to review the proposal as well. 

This is the first step in obtaining relevant MINAE permits for research at Pacuare Reserve. SINAC MINAE will review the permit for research on lands in national parks, wildlife refuges and forest preserves.

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Who needs to apply? Project leaders and course coordinators. Note that only the project leader needs to apply for an approval, not the individual participants in the project, although they should be listed on the project application. PR requires that every project participant supply the personal information requested before an application for a MINAE research permit can be processed.

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How much time should I allow? an approval letter can be provided within 10 days of receipt of a completed research proposal. Reserve approval must be obtained before applying for a MINAE permit and before beginning research.

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Will I need to renew the PR approval? PR approval is good for 6 months (foreigners) or 1 year (Costa Rican nationals or residents) and should be renewed at the same time as the MINAE permit (see below). If methodology changes or new projects are added, the permit application should be appropriately amended or an additional permit sought.

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What information do I need to submit?  You need to submit a Project Proposal. It can be submitted in English or Spanish (although MINAE only accept applications in Spanish). This proposal will be used to evaluate the suitability of your project . It is important that your project proposal be complete and accurate. Be sure that any and all information is consistent with any forms required by MINAE.  

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How can PR help? PR requests that you send the information to the scientific coordinator research@pacuarereserve.org. Once your project is reviewed, PR staff will contact you by e-mail and will provide a formal letter that can be used to apply for a research permit and participant scientific passports from MINAE. Please contact the scientific coordinator with your questions regarding applications for project approvals.

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Permission for Research on other Private Land in Costa Rica

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The researcher should obtain a letter from the landowner giving permission for work to be done on private property. This letter should be written in Spanish, addressed to SINAC and include the following information: researcher’s name and passport number, project title and the dates during which the research will be conducted. The letter should state that the landowner supports the field work. If the landowner is other than an individual the letter should be submitted on its letterhead. It is a good idea to provide a wide range of project dates to accommodate any unforeseen delays. A template for such a letter is provided here.